A broken toe occurs when one of the bones in the toe cracks due to trauma or repeated stress. Common causes include stubbing the toe, dropping a heavy object on the foot, or overuse in activities like running. Symptoms include swelling, bruising, pain, difficulty walking, or visible deformity. Risk factors include poor footwear, reduced bone density, and high-impact activities. A podiatrist can confirm the diagnosis through a physical exam and imaging, then recommend appropriate care such as splinting, immobilization, or, in some cases, surgery. If you suspect a broken toe, it is suggested that you make an immediate appointment with a podiatrist to receive expert treatment and prevent long-term complications.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our doctors from Conroe Foot Specialists. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Conroe and Huntsville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Diabetic foot ulcers are open wounds or sores that typically develop on the bottom of the foot in diabetics. They are caused by a combination of poor circulation, nerve damage, and repetitive pressure or injury to the foot. Risk factors include long-term diabetes, smoking, poorly controlled blood sugar, and improper footwear. Symptoms may include redness, swelling, drainage, or a foul odor. These ulcers can become infected and lead to serious complications. A podiatrist plays a key role in managing diabetic foot ulcers by providing wound care, pressure relief, and guidance on foot hygiene. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that regular visits to a podiatrist are part of a routine plan that can help you to manage existing foot ulcers.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our doctors from Conroe Foot Specialists. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Conroe and Huntsville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ingrown toenails can occur even in babies, often causing more discomfort than parents might expect. This happens when the edge of a toenail presses into the surrounding skin, usually on the big toe. In infants, wearing tight socks, rapid nail growth, or improper trimming can contribute to the problem. You may notice redness, swelling, or tenderness around the nail. Babies may cry or pull at their feet if the toe is painful. Unlike in adults, the skin around a baby’s toenail is soft, so early treatment is usually simple and gentle. Soaking the foot in warm water and keeping the area clean can help. Avoid trimming the nail too short or rounding the edges. If there is persistent redness, swelling, or signs of infection, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist to ensure your baby’s toe heals properly and comfortably.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our doctors of Conroe Foot Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Conroe and Huntsville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Walking is generally safe for people with gout, especially when the condition is under control. Gout commonly affects the big toe joint, but it can also involve the lesser toes and ankles. Symptoms include intense pain, redness, and swelling during flare-ups. While joint-friendly activity like walking may help reduce stiffness and maintain mobility, such activity during a flare can increase discomfort and affect function. Pain in the foot or ankle may alter a person’s walking pattern and lead to slower steps or reduced ankle movement, especially in chronic cases. During a gout flare, rest is often needed to avoid worsening inflammation in the affected joint. Once the flare subsides, gradual walking may resume with wearing supportive footwear and care to avoid strain. A podiatrist can assess joint health, suggest exercise goals, and monitor for permanent joint changes. If you have foot pain from flare-ups of gout, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for guidance regarding appropriate levels of activity.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our doctors from Conroe Foot Specialists. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Conroe and Huntsville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.